Recognizing the importance of trade to job
creation and the United States economy and calling for the immediate
implementation of the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, United
States-Panama Free Trade Agreement, and United States-Korea Free Trade
Agreement.

Whereas South Korea is the United States’ fourth-largest
trading partner;

Whereas Colombia is the United States’ largest
agricultural market in South America;

Whereas Panama is a center of global commerce and trade
between the United States and Panama amounted to $5,500,000,000 in 2008;

Whereas the United States is Panama’s largest trading
partner;

Whereas the agreement will be a step forward in government
procurement mechanisms, especially in light of the Panama Canal
expansion;

Whereas the United States International Trade Commission
estimates that the United States–Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, United
States–Panama Free Trade Agreement, and United States–Korea Free Trade
Agreement, once implemented, would increase annual United States exports of
goods alone by roughly $12,000,000,000;

Whereas United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk said,
the pending agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama, in particular,
have value, and when we are fighting for every job on the table, we need
to get these right so we can reap the benefit;

Whereas United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk said,
I believe there is enough value in [the pacts with] Panama and Colombia,
particularly since we have already granted duty-free status to goods
from both countries, You just can't make a credible case to deny us the
return investment;

Whereas United States Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said,
“This administration will pursue trade agreements that are balanced [and]
ambitious and improve market access for U.S. workers, firms, farmers and
ranchers”;

Whereas United States Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said,
“Approving [the] pacts [with Colombia, South Korea, and Panama] are part of the
administration's plan for boosting exports”;

Whereas President Barack Obama said, “We will double our
exports over the next five years, an increase that will support two million
jobs in America”;

Whereas President Barack Obama said, Those who once
would oppose any trade agreement now understand that there are new markets and
new sectors out there that we need to break into if we want our workers to get
ahead;

Whereas President Barack Obama said, In a time when
millions of Americans are out of work, boosting our exports is a short-term
imperative; and

Whereas President Barack Obama said, “We're going to
strengthen relations with key partners, specifically South Korea, Panama, and
Colombia, with the goal of moving forward with existing agreements in a way
that upholds our values”: Now, therefore, be it

That—

(1)

the House of Representatives recognizes the
importance of reducing trade barriers between the United States and key trade
partners in order to increase exports, create jobs, stimulate the economy, and
improve relations with international trade partners; and

(2)

it is the sense of
the House of Representatives that the United States–Colombia Trade Promotion
Agreement, United States–Panama Free Trade Agreement, and United States–Korea
Free Trade Agreement should be implemented immediately.